Saturday, June 26, 2010

#27 Bull Harbour

On Saturday we cruised to Bull Harbour. Bull is another 14 miles from Clam Cove going over the top of Nigei Island. There was lots of bull kelp and logs along the route, which was probably lifted off beaches during last night's super high tide. We pulled into the Harbour and anchored with extra scope (letting out more anchor chain than ususal) due to the expected gale force winds tonight. We launched the tender and when for a hike.

At anchor in Bull Harbour with community in background. Total full-time residents: 2.

Looking southwest from our anchorage, we can see boats transiting Goletas Channel and the Nahwitti Bar.

We tied the tender to the public dock and started walking on a well-maintained gravel road. We passed pretty flowers and a near tame deer. At last a pick-up truck came down the road. The driver was one of the two caretakers on the island and collected a $5 landing fee (or a pack of cigarettes) for each of us. We took a forest path passing a pond and arrived on the ocean side of the island.

These tall pretty flower stalks seem to be growing wild. Pat, what are these? Please not the scientific name!

A pond carpeted with lillies was picturesque.

The ocean side is normally exposed to high northwest winds and waves traveling unmolested all the way from Japan. All was calm today.

The beach is miles and miles pebbles, that have been polished by wind and waves for years and years. These would be perfect for floating on a new concrete patio.

Dick located another path through the forest to the tiny community of five homes, complete with electricity, propane heating, concrete sidewalks, and fire hydrants. He staked out a claim on one of the unused residences.

Dick's wife Harriett has been thinking of moving "up the hill" from their ocean front Malibu home. Maybe this Bull Harbour home, with outdoor pool, is still close enough to the ocean?

We seemed to have Bull Harbour to ourselves. Then in a matter of minutes six other boats joined us. This raft gives new meaning to "a three-some".

About 30 years ago crew Dick enjoyed a great dinner of small ocean smelt in San Pedro, California. Since them he's been looking for small smelt to recreate this delicious dish. Friday, while provisioning in the Port Hardy market, he found Lake Smelt. These tiny fish, egg-dipped and breaded, then lightly fried in olive oil are way tasty!

At 1:30PM Environment Canada announced the gale warning for our area over the VHF. We'll add the anchor bridle for tonight's blow. It's supposed to blow out overnight and be calm tomorrow at 6AM when to begin our route around Cape Scott. We'll see!

MV WILD BLUE

ABOUT WILD BLUE

The Wild Blue is a Selene 53 Trawler and I'm the owner-operator. I've been boating since 1977 on the Pacific Coast from Mexico to Southeast Alaska. Prior to Wild Blue, I raced and cruised various sailboats including an Ericson 35, a J-36, and a Schock 35. I'm a member and past Commodore of the California Yacht Club, Los Angeles.